It’s not a particularly big week for new DVD releases, with not a single big-name film released (Blood Out with Val Kilmer, anyone?). The most interesting releases this week are from the film vaults, so let’s dig in. 

ALTERNATIVE VIEWING

FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS (1998)

The folks at Criterion have given this tepidly received Johnny Depp film the full treatment. Directed by Terry Gilliam and also starring Benicio Del Toro, it is the film version of the Hunter S. Thompson gonzo journalism classic. Critics were split on whether it was a great, Fellini-inspired trip, or just a drugged out mess. No doubt it has attained a cult status.

BLOW OUT (1981)

Another extras-packed Criterion release, this Brian De Palma directed gem stars John Travolta as a sound technician who accidentally captures the sound of a tire blowout that involves the president’s car. Filmed at the height of Travolta’s fame, it’s a tight and exciting thriller, although critics, never fans of De Palma, said it was too derivative of Michelangelo Antonioni’s avant-garde classic, Blow Up. I saw it in the theatre, and thought it was great. Mind you, it was 1981.

EL TOPO (1970)

Alejandro Jodorowski is not a household name, but amongst some avant-garde/blood and gore film fans, the man is a star. Known for his violent and surreal films, El Topo is getting the full Blu-Ray treatment. Cleary, not for everyone.

DOCUMENTARIES

MOGULS AND MOVIE STARS (2010)

A fine, multi-part history of early Hollywood from the always folks at Turner Classic Movies. This documentary follows the rise of the movie moguls — the Warner Brothers, Louis B. Mayer, and others — and their eventual downfall. Must viewing for fans of Hollywood history, even if you’ve heard it all before.

DON’T LOOK BACK (1967)

Famed documentary covering Bob Dylan’s 1965 tour of England, directed by D.A. Pennebaker. Dylan was just 23 when this film was made, and in the process of his controversial conversion from acoustic to electric. Features the much-parodied opening sequence of Dylan holding up words to the soundtrack’s “Subterranean Homesick Blues”. Released for the first time on Blu-Ray.

TELEVISION

SOUTH PARK

The complete 14th — yes, that’s 14th — season of the famously potty mouthed, politically incorrect antics  of Stan, Kyle, Cartman and Kenny.

THE LUCY SHOW, THE COMPLETE FOURTH SEASON

In an entirely different comedic vein, the wholesome world of Lucille Ball’s second-series, The Lucy Show comes out in a four-disc set.